I understand the robot is not allowed to extend beyond the 11x20 volume restriction. Are these values necessarily tied to the width and the depth of the robot? For instance, can a robot be 20" wide and 11" long? Can a robot have multiple configurations within the course of a match, in which sometimes it is 11x20, sometimes 20x11, and between configurations, it never extends beyond a hypothetical rotating (with respect to the drive base) 11x20 box?
Also, if a robot is taller than 20" and accidentally tips over in a match, but is able to self-right, is it in violation of the 11x20 rule, for its momentary but unintentional excursion outside the boundary?
If the robot is deemed to be illegal in any of these gameplay circumstances, what would be the penalty?
For instance, can a robot be 20" wide and 11" long? Can a robot have multiple configurations within the course of a match, in which sometimes it is 11x20, sometimes 20x11, and between configurations, it never extends beyond a hypothetical rotating (with respect to the drive base) 11x20 box?
Yes, this would be legal. However, be aware that this creative solution could be subject to additional scrutiny from referees or inspectors - be prepared to prove to an inspector that the robot can never exceed 11"x20" in any orientation.
Also, if a robot is taller than 20" and accidentally tips over in a match, but is able to self-right, is it in violation of the 11x20 rule, for its momentary but unintentional excursion outside the boundary?
To avoid any confusion, we would advise utilizing G15 in this case, quoted below for reference:
If a Robot goes completely out-of-bounds (outside the playing field), gets stuck, tips over, or otherwise requires assistance, the Drivers may retrieve & reset the Robot. In the process they must:
- Signal the Referee by placing their VEX IQ Controller on the ground.
- Move the Robot to a Starting Position.
- Any Rings in possession of the Robot while being handled must be removed from the Robot and taken out of play for the remainder of the Match.
This rule is intended so teams can fix damaged Robots or help get their Robots “out of trouble.” It is not intended for Teams to use as part of a strategy to gain an advantage during a Match. If a Head Referee sees Teams strategically exploiting this rule, they may be Disqualified from said Match.
With that in mind, this would likely be considered a minor/incidental violation and a warning. If the action was deemed by the referee to be intentional or strategic, such as a robot that “accidentally tips over” and then proceeds to gather a large amount of game objects, this could result in a disqualification.
If the robot is deemed to be illegal in any of these gameplay circumstances, what would be the penalty?
If the robot is deemed to be in violation of any rules during inspection, teams will usually be given the opportunity to correct the issue in question and re-inspect their robot before participating in any official matches.
If the violation occurs during a match, then the criteria mentioned above would apply. That is, a minor violation that does not affect the outcome of the match would result in a warning. However, major and/or score affecting offenses would result in a disqualification. Teams who receive multiple warnings may also receive a disqualification at the head referee’s discretion.